Holiday rentals at risk in NSW coastal town

09 May 2013 Reporter

A coastal City Council has been called upon to change laws that could suffocate the local holiday-letting industry.

The Real Estate Institute of NSW is in talks with Gosford City Council to make an immediate amendment to the current Local Environmental Plan (LEP) to make short-term letting allowable without consent on properties in 2A and 2B residential zones.

This follows a judgment by the Land and Environment Court earlier this month to disallow future rentals of a six-bedroom house in Terrigal.

REINSW President Christian Payne said the entire section of the holiday letting property market could be at risk unless changes were made.

“The current LEP does not reference the use of properties as holiday rentals, despite it happening for the last 140 years,” he said.

“Holiday letting is the backbone of the local economy in coastal areas, and in particular the NSW Central Coast. We urge the Gosford City Council to take a positive stance to protect the livelihood of the area.

“It is important not to discriminate against people who can’t afford to purchase their own holiday home,” Mr Payne said.

“If we don’t make a stand on this issue the only people who will be able to enjoy a holiday are those who can afford to purchase their own holiday home. We must also protect those people who have made the investment in properties used for short-term rental accommodation.”

REINSW is also asking the NSW Government to make a state-wide ruling on the issue to protect this aspect of the property industry which has enormous positive flow on effects for the local economies.

“Currently it is a local council issue, with the Shoalhaven, Kiama and Eurobodalla Councils already changing their LEPs to allow short-term rentals without having to seek special permissions.

“We urge the state government to step in and support short-term rentals across the state.”